admin“Unacceptable”- Leeds United boss Daniel Farke blasts ‘softest decision’ and reveals equaliser analysis
Leeds United and Bournemouth Play Out Set-Piece Heavy Draw as Late Equaliser Denies Farke’s Side
Leeds United were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in a match where set-pieces played a key role. Manager Daniel Farke expressed pride in his team’s display but pointed to a “soft” free-kick decision and a lapse in focus as the reasons they missed out on all three points.
The result left Leeds with mixed emotions. A point might have been considered a solid outcome before kick-off, but after leading from the 54th minute until stoppage time and creating several clear chances, the draw felt like a missed opportunity.
Bournemouth nearly took an early lead when Dominic Calvert-Lewin found himself one-on-one inside the first 20 seconds but failed to convert.
He wasted two more chances in the opening 20 minutes. The visitors eventually went ahead through Antoine Semenyo’s powerful free-kick, only for Leeds to respond with a Joe Rodon header from a Sean Longstaff corner.
Set-pieces were a consistent threat for Leeds throughout, with Longstaff stepping up as a reliable delivery option. Their second goal, however, came from open play—Longstaff hammering in a fine strike following sustained pressure from the hosts.
Leeds maintained control for much of the second half, frustrating Bournemouth’s efforts to break them down.
But in the 93rd minute, Marcos Senesi won an aerial duel against Pascal Struijk, allowing Eli Junior Kroupi to volley in the equaliser at the back post—snatching a late point.
“It’s a good point, but conceding that late makes it hard to take,” said Farke. “We clearly deserved to win. We dominated Expected Goals, had 19 shots and the better chances. In the first half alone, we created enough to win two Premier League matches.”
Farke praised his players’ commitment, particularly their second-half defensive work, but admitted that small details made the difference in the end.
“I wouldn’t say we weren’t switched on, but it was about small moments,” he said. “A loose touch in possession, dropping a little too deep, not winning the first header—there were a few small things that added up.
At this level, you get punished for that. Still, I’m proud of the performance. Coming from behind again shows our mental strength.”
Leeds’ physical dominance in midfield was crucial, something Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola acknowledged, admitting his side were second best in duels and intensity. Farke highlighted this area as key to the game.
“We said before the match that whoever won the midfield battle—duels and second balls—would probably win the game,” Farke explained. “We could have done slightly better in the first half, but overall we controlled that area. Credit to our midfield.”
One of those midfielders, Anton Stach, conceded the free-kick that led to Bournemouth’s opener—a decision Farke firmly disagreed with.
“For me, it wasn’t a foul—probably the softest free-kick given all weekend,” said Farke. “Without that, I think we would have won. Sometimes, you just hope the team gets a bit more luck.
If they keep performing like this, then when it really matters for staying in this league, we’ll get the results we deserve. Overall, I’m pretty happy with the season so far.”
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